Whilst keen to add to the squad, boss Tony Pulis isn't keen on overloading his squad and the exodus of out-of-favour fringe players has certainly begun.
The club has today confirmed that Bjarni Gudjonsson is currently on trial with Belgian club Lokeren after being told he can leave for free.
Gudjonsson, very much a journeyman, signed for Argyle just 13 months ago while the club was still under the stewardship of Bobby Williamson. He was handed an 18 month deal after his release from VfL Bochum and looked impressive in his first few games, notably against Everton in the F.A. Cup. The former Newcastle United man worked effectively with target-man Mickey Evans in a 4-4-1-1 formation that the Pilgrims employed for a spell. That was until the signing of Nick Chadwick, also a scorer in the Everton game but for the visitors that day, and Plymouth reverted to a coventional 4-4-2 set-up. The occasional stint the midfield didn't flag up Gudjonsson true abilities and his involvement became more and more irregular. However, an impressive pre-season secured his place in the starting XI against Reading on the opening day, where Argyle fought for an excellent 2-1 away win. Bjarni also appeared to be Tony Pulis' preferred choice on the right flank, what with the pair knowing each other from their days at Stoke City.
Ever since a few token appearances, the form of Norris and Buzsaky, who also compete for the place on the right-hand side, has meant that Gudjonsson has been restricted to a place in the reserve side. Even though his contract doesn't expires until the summer, it appears that the club are willing to let Bjarni leave with a view to slashing the wage bill. Subject to a successful trial period, Gudjonsson seems likely to team up with Aime Antheunis, another former manager of his, who is now in charge at Lokeren. Bjarni's brother, Johannes of Leicester, looks set for a switch to AZ Alkmaar this month also after their the third brother Thordur returned to his homeland. Icelander Gudjon Thordarson, manager of Notts County, is father to the three midfielders.
Portuguese anchorman Nuno Mendes, a latter capture of Bobby Williamson's, has also been encourage to find himself a club before his contract expires in June. The former Santa Clara defender has appeared three times for the Pilgrims and to our knowledge, he has also been told that he has no future at Home Park.
Youngster Marcus Martin has also been released from his contract. After a single substitute appearance for the Greens, the Torbay-born midfielder joined Exeter City on loan last season and won many plaudits for sound displays in both games versus Manchester United in the Grecian's F.A. Cup exploits. Martin, who tallied 30 appearances for the Conference side and scored 1 goal, has joined Cornish side Truro City. The ambitious Carlsberg South Western League currently field Kevin Wills and Stewart Yetton, two more names once on Argyle's books.
In other news, West Ham United are siad to have made an offer for an un-named Championship player, re-kindling the speculation surrounding Akos Buzsaky and his Home Park future. Alan Pardew had admitted to monitoring his progress last season and wouldn't deny that he has maintained interest.
A link derived from this website is the reported interest in former Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Jansen, who was released from Ewood Park earlier this week. Stories were circulating in Tony Pulis' first month in charge about his desire to attract high-calibre players to the Westcountry, with Jansen's name certainly being thrown about the place.
Finally, Sheffield Wednesday are said to be interest in bringing Argyle legend David Friio to Hillsborough to try and revitalise their season. Former Greens boss Paul Sturrock already has Graham Coughlan, Steve Adams and Peter Gilbert credited to his Owls squad and is looking for a creative influence to add an element of creativity and unpredictability to his team. Plymouth fans will sure remember the many occasions where the Frenchman came to the rescue.
The club has today confirmed that Bjarni Gudjonsson is currently on trial with Belgian club Lokeren after being told he can leave for free.
Gudjonsson, very much a journeyman, signed for Argyle just 13 months ago while the club was still under the stewardship of Bobby Williamson. He was handed an 18 month deal after his release from VfL Bochum and looked impressive in his first few games, notably against Everton in the F.A. Cup. The former Newcastle United man worked effectively with target-man Mickey Evans in a 4-4-1-1 formation that the Pilgrims employed for a spell. That was until the signing of Nick Chadwick, also a scorer in the Everton game but for the visitors that day, and Plymouth reverted to a coventional 4-4-2 set-up. The occasional stint the midfield didn't flag up Gudjonsson true abilities and his involvement became more and more irregular. However, an impressive pre-season secured his place in the starting XI against Reading on the opening day, where Argyle fought for an excellent 2-1 away win. Bjarni also appeared to be Tony Pulis' preferred choice on the right flank, what with the pair knowing each other from their days at Stoke City.
Ever since a few token appearances, the form of Norris and Buzsaky, who also compete for the place on the right-hand side, has meant that Gudjonsson has been restricted to a place in the reserve side. Even though his contract doesn't expires until the summer, it appears that the club are willing to let Bjarni leave with a view to slashing the wage bill. Subject to a successful trial period, Gudjonsson seems likely to team up with Aime Antheunis, another former manager of his, who is now in charge at Lokeren. Bjarni's brother, Johannes of Leicester, looks set for a switch to AZ Alkmaar this month also after their the third brother Thordur returned to his homeland. Icelander Gudjon Thordarson, manager of Notts County, is father to the three midfielders.
Portuguese anchorman Nuno Mendes, a latter capture of Bobby Williamson's, has also been encourage to find himself a club before his contract expires in June. The former Santa Clara defender has appeared three times for the Pilgrims and to our knowledge, he has also been told that he has no future at Home Park.
Youngster Marcus Martin has also been released from his contract. After a single substitute appearance for the Greens, the Torbay-born midfielder joined Exeter City on loan last season and won many plaudits for sound displays in both games versus Manchester United in the Grecian's F.A. Cup exploits. Martin, who tallied 30 appearances for the Conference side and scored 1 goal, has joined Cornish side Truro City. The ambitious Carlsberg South Western League currently field Kevin Wills and Stewart Yetton, two more names once on Argyle's books.
In other news, West Ham United are siad to have made an offer for an un-named Championship player, re-kindling the speculation surrounding Akos Buzsaky and his Home Park future. Alan Pardew had admitted to monitoring his progress last season and wouldn't deny that he has maintained interest.
A link derived from this website is the reported interest in former Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Jansen, who was released from Ewood Park earlier this week. Stories were circulating in Tony Pulis' first month in charge about his desire to attract high-calibre players to the Westcountry, with Jansen's name certainly being thrown about the place.
Finally, Sheffield Wednesday are said to be interest in bringing Argyle legend David Friio to Hillsborough to try and revitalise their season. Former Greens boss Paul Sturrock already has Graham Coughlan, Steve Adams and Peter Gilbert credited to his Owls squad and is looking for a creative influence to add an element of creativity and unpredictability to his team. Plymouth fans will sure remember the many occasions where the Frenchman came to the rescue.